New Delhi: In a rare division vote, the Lok Sabha on Thursday approved the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, a landmark step aimed at enabling women's reservation and facilitating delimitation.

The move came after the Opposition pressed for a recorded vote, forcing the House to abandon its usual voice-vote practice. Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal rose to table the Bill, alongside the Delimitation Bill 2026 and Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill 2026, marking a crucial stage in the legislative process.

Speaker Om Birla announced that 251 members supported the motion while 185 opposed it, with slips later confirming 333 votes cast and no abstentions. The Lok Sabha Secretary General explained the functioning of the Automatic Vote Recorder, noting that members could alter their choice through slips if needed.

The Opposition insisted on a division specifically for the Women's Reservation Bill, underscoring its political sensitivity. The motion required a simple majority, which was secured amid heightened engagement across party lines.

The Bill's introduction revives the debate on women's representation in legislatures, a long-pending reform that has faced repeated hurdles. With delimitation also on the agenda, the coming discussions promise to reshape India's electoral map and parliamentary composition.